WEATHER has battered Europe this week, bringing a crippling wave of sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall. Hundreds of flights have been cancelled and transport has come to a standstill across the continent - are your holidays affected?

Snow has struck Europe bringing extreme weather conditions to the continent. At least 16 people have been killed in deadly storms and huge swathes of Europe are buried under heavy snow. Further snow is set to be dumped by a snow cloud ploughing through the continent. Temperatures have plummeted, with parts of southern Germany, Switzerland and Austria suffering the worst of the weather. yesterday an avalanche slammed into a hotel in the in the Swiss Alps leaving three diners injured and 25 cars buried. Airlines have cancelled flights and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has updated their travel advice.

The dangerous weather sparked a red warning and high risk of avalanches across much of southern Germany and central Austria.

Germany

Germany has been heavily affected by the snowfall. Extreme weather conditions cut off the Bavarian municipality of Marktschellenberg, Germany, where as much as 1.5 metres of heavy snow has fallen leaving residents completely stranded.

Rescue workers were dispatched to assist locals after the huge snowstorm.

Airlines have cancelled 90 flights at Munich Airport today due to concerns about snow, according to German news agency DPA. A further 20 have been cancelled due to a strike.

Munich Airport said on its website: “Due to strikes and weather conditions, air traffic from and to Munich may be impaired.”

Airlines have also cancelled around 120 flights at Frankfurt Airport and warn of strikes on 15 January.

German airline Lufthansa shared its latest update on its website: “Due to heavy snowfalls expected on Friday, January 11, there will be considerable disruptions on the entire Lufthansa domestic route network.

“Please inform yourself about the status of your flight before you start your journey.”

The FCO has updated its travel advice for Germany: “According to local reports, there is heavy snowfall and a high risk of avalanches in southern Germany at present.

“Due to heavy snowfall in Bavaria and more expected, the infrastructure has been affected. You should check your journey before travelling.”

Austria

The FCO has also updated its travel advice to Austria. “Continued heavy snowfall is forecast in the Austrian Alps over several days from Tuesday 8 January,” said its website.

Roads and railways have also been affected with trains, lorries and cars getting stuck for hours on both German and Austrian roads.

UK

With regards to the weather forecast for Britain, forecasters have warned the so-called Beast from the East could make a return in the second half of winter.

The Met Office has warned temperatures could plummet sparking rain and snow towards the end of the month.

Met Office spokeswoman Nicola Maxey said: “There are signs of a growing risk of strong winds, rain and snow from mid-January into early February. We are expecting to see it turn colder with temperatures below average for the time of year although we will see some short-lived milder interludes.

“Gales will be possible in the north and west, and it will turn colder from the northwest. Some snow is expected in the north, especially in brighter, showery, colder interludes between weather systems.”

The Met Office’s long-range forecast also states: “As the rest of the month progresses and into early February there is an increased likelihood of colder weather to become established generally, which will bring an enhanced risk of frost, fog and snow.

"These notably colder conditions are by no means certain though, and in any case, some milder, wet and windy interludes are still possible.”